Waist protection member

ABSTRACT

A waist protection member comprises a primary chamber ( 33 ) to be placed against at least an area of the human body surface in correspondence to a greater trochanter ( 1   a ) of a femur ( 1 ), and is fined with a gel-like substance ( 32 ). The waist protection member also comprises at least two auxiliary chambers ( 34 ) which are vertically juxtaposed to be placed against an area of the human body surface forwardly of the area covered with the primary chamber ( 33 ), and which are each filled with the gel-like substance ( 32 ) and have a smaller contact area with the human body than does the primary chamber.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a waist protection member forprotection of a femur and more particularly, to a waist protectionmember suitable for the prevention of femur injury and fracture uponfalling of elder persons with their bones weakened due to osteoporosis.

2. Background Art

Protection members have been conventionally provided for the protectionof specific areas of human bodies from impact associated with falls orcollisions. In general, the protection members of this type employ, asan impact absorber, various types of foamed resin materials, nonwovenfabrics or fluids such as air, and are adapted for attachment tospecific areas ofthe human body. Protection members of variousspecifications have been proposed so as to conform to contours ofprotected human body areas such as the arm, breast and the like.

Upon impact to a lower body part due to a fall or the like, a greatimpact force is applied to a greater trochanter 1 a of a femur 1 shownin FIG. 27. Therefore, in the case of falls of the elderly whose bonesare weakened due to osteoporosis, they often sustain injury or fractureof a portion of the femur 1 and particularly of a cervical part 1 bthereof Currently, such injuries or fractures of the elderly have becomea social problem. Thus, various efforts have been paid to the protectionof various human body areas and particularly, of the greater trochanterand its peripheral area (a waist area or a hip area).

For example, as shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B, U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,216discloses a protection member 3 for the protection of the waist areaincluding the greater trochanter 1 a. This protection member 3 issubstantially of an elongate ellipse shape. The device has adouble-layer structure which includes an inner layer 3 a formed of apartially cross-linked silicone rubber and placed against a surface of ahuman body 4, and an outer layer 3 b formed of a cross-linked siliconerubber. This protection member 3 has a bell-shaped cross section whereinthe thickness is the greatest at a portion corresponding to the greatertrochanter 1 a and gradually decreases toward a periphery ofthe member.The inner layer 3 a has a thickness of not more than 40 mm. A totalthickness combining those of the inner layer 3 a and the outer layer 3 bis in the range of 20 to 50 mm.

As shown in FIG. 29, another protection member 6 is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,497,511. The device is formed of a resin material and placedwithin a pocket 5 a of pants 5.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B, in Japanese patent applicationNo. 7-62520 (Japanese laid-open application No. 8-209409), the presentapplicants have previously proposed a protection member 8 adapted forplacement in pockets 7 a, 7 a positioned at lateral-sides of pants 7 andcomposed of a gel-like substance.

As shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B, another protection member 12 is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,998. This protection member takes the form of askirt, comprising a polymer sheet base 9 formed of an air-impermeablepolymer material, such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride,polypropylene or the like. The protection member also has a bubble layer10 which includes a plurality of recesses circular in section and isadhesively or ultra-sonically bonded to the sheet base 9 for defining aplurality of fluid filled chambers 11. The chambers 11 are filled withfluid such as a gas like air or a liquid like water. In FIG. 31 A, areference numeral 13 denotes a tensile belt strip with a fastenerelement for attachment of the member to a lower body part.

However, the protection member 3 of above mentioned U.S. Pat. No.4,573,216 shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B is designed such that one piece ofprotection member 3 serves to protect the greater trochanter 1 a and itsperipheral area, and hence, has a great surface area (contact area) inabutment against or in contact with the human body surface 4.Furthermore, as mentioned above, the protection member 3 has a thicknessas great as 20 to 50 mm. Therefore, the protection member 3 is incapableof deforming in a manner to fully follow the movement of the human body4 at the greater trochanter 1 a and its peripheral area. Consequently,when worn, this protection member 3 restricts the movement of the humanbody 4, causing discomfort to a wearer. Furthermore, the protectionmember 3 has a relatively great weight, resulting in poor wear comfort.

The protection member 6 of above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,511 shownin the FIG. 29, also has a great contact area with the human body and arelatively high hardness, resulting in poor conformability to themovement of the human body and poor wear comfort.

Since the protection member 8 of FIGS. 30A and 30B proposed by thepresent applicants is formed of a gel-like substance, the protectionmember 8 is more flexible than the protection members 3, 6 shown inFIGS. 28A, 28B and 29. However, this protection member 8 also has greatcontact area with the human body, resulting in insufficientconformability to the movement of the human body.

The protection member 12 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,998 shown in FIGS. 31Aand 31B has an arrangement wherein the plural fluid chambers 11establish respective point contacts with the human body so as to definea small contact area with the human body. However, when this protectionmember 12 is worn, the one piece of polymer sheet base 9 covers all thefore, back and lateral areas of the waist, thus restricting the movementof the wearer. In addition, a fear exists that any of the fluid chambers11 may rupture to cause the gas or liquid filled therein to escape.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been accomplished for solving the problems ofthe conventional protection members of this type and has an object toprovide a waist protection member featuring good conformability to themovement of the human body, nice wear comfort, and a capability ofsufficiently reducing the impact due to a fall or the like.

For achieving the above object, the waist protection member according tothe invention comprises a primary chamber to be placed against at leastan area of the human body surface in correspondence to the greatertrochanter ofthe femur and filed with a gel-like substance, and at leasttwo auxiliary chambers which are vertically juxtaposed to be placedagainst an area of the human body surface forwardly ofthe area coveredwith the primary chamber, and which are each filled with the gel-likesubstance, and with each having a smaller contact area with the humanbody than the primary chamber.

The waist protection member according to the invention is configured asmentioned above so that when the impact force is applied to the greatertrochanter due to falling or the like of the wearer, this impact forceis absorbed by the deformation of the gel-like substance in the primarychamber. When the impact force due to fall or the like is applied to thearea forward of the greater trochanter, the impact is absorbed by thegel-like substance in the auxiliary chambers. Hence, the waistprotection member of the invention is adapted for sufficient reductionof the impact to the greater trochanter upon a fall or the like.

The aforementioned gel-like substance is flexible enough to present ahigh fitness to the human body surface. Hence, the primary and auxiliarychambers are permitted to deform in a manner to follow the movementofthe human body. As a result, the greater trochanter and its peripheralarea are surely covered by the primary chamber 33 regardless oftheposition assumed by the human body.

Furthermore, two or more auxiliary chambers with the smaller contactarea are disposed forwardly of the primary chamber so that the wearermay not suffer interference with the movement to bend the upper bodypart forwardly or to lift up the thigh. Thus, the wearer is allowed tomake these movements without feeling discomfort.

Thus, the waist protection member according the invention is excellentin the fitness to the human body surface and the conformable to themoving human body, and hence, is suitable to be worn commonly.

The waist protection member ofthe invention is particularly suitable foruse as the protection of the elderly persons' femurs weakened due toosteoporosis.

The gel-like substance is preferably composed of silicone gel orurethane gel having excellent impact absorption. Examples of otherusable gel-like substances include polyvinyl alcohol gel, gelatin gel,acrylic gel and the like. The hardness (C Scale) of the gel-likesubstance is preferably in the range on order of 0 to 40 as determinedby the hardness test method set forth in JIS S6050-1988.

The thickness ofthe primary chamber and auxiliary chamber is preferablynot less than 3 mm and not more than 10 mm. If the thickness is lessthan 3 mmn, sufficient impact absorption is not attained. On the otherhand, if the thickness exceeds 10 mm, the waist protection memberbecomes too heavy to be suitable for common wear.

The primary chamber may be composed of a plurality of compartmentchambers arranged in close proximity to one another. In this case, theconformability to the movement of the human body at the greatertrochanter and its peripheral area is further enhanced.

The peripheral walls of the primary chamber and auxiliary chambers beformed of a urethane resin sheet or a soft vinyl chloride sheet.Otherwise, the peripheral walls may include an inner layer formed of theurethane resin sheet or the soft vinyl chloride sheet and an outer layerformed of a knit textile material.

The invention further provides a waist protection member comprising aprimary chamber to be placed against at least an area of the human bodysurface in correspondence to the greater trochanter of the femur andfilled with a gel-like substance and a foamed material, and an auxiliarychamber to be placed against an area of the human body surface forwardlyof the area covered with the primary chamber and filled with thegel-like substance and the foamed material.

With such a structure, the waist protection member can be reduced inweight as compared with the case where the primary chamber and auxiliarychambers are entirely filled with only the gel-like substance.

The invention further provides a garment for a lower body part, to whichthe above waist protection member is secured or removably attached. Thegarment for the lower body part may be an underwear for the lower bodypart to be directly worn on the body surface or may be one to be wornover the underwear for the lower body part. Specifically, the garmentsfor the lower body part include briefs, trunks, long pants such ascycling pants, long-legged close-fitting shorts and the like, shortpants such as short drawers, trousers, culottes, slts and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the waist protection member 30 is of arectangular sheet and includes one primary chamber 33 and two auxiliarychambers 34, 34 which are each filled with a gel-like substance 32 as animpact absorber. Walls ofthe primary chamber 33 and auxiliary chambers34, 34 are defined by inner layers 35, 35 formed of a pair of sheetmembers. There are further laid a pair of outer layers 36, 36 on theoutside of the inner layers 35, 35. Grooves 38 a, 38 b are disposed atrespective gaps between the primary chamber 33 and the auxiliarychambers 34 and between the auxiliary chambers 34. The grooves 38 a, 38b are formed by fusion bonding respective portions of the inner layers35,35 and the outer layers 36,36 in an integral manner. At an outerperipheral edge 39 of the waist protection member 30, respectiveportions of the inner layers 35, 35 and the outer layers 36, 36 are alsofusion bonded in the integral manner.

The two auxiliary chambers 34, 34 are vertically juxtaposed near oneside of the primary chamber 33. Similarly to the primary chamber 33,each auxiliary chamber 34 is shaped like a flat rectangularparallelepiped, having a thickness t2 of 7.5 mm, a vertical length L3 of75 mm and a transverse length L4 of 65 mm. The auxiliary chamber has asmaller contact area with the human body than does the primary chamber33.

As shown in FIG. 5, an attachment position of the hip-portion protectionmember 30 is set such that when long pants 21 are worn, the primarychamber 33 covers the greater trochanter 1 a of the femur 1 and itsperipheral area while the auxiliary chambers 34, 34 cover an areasituated in forward position F of the area covered by the primarychamber 33.

The gel-like substance 32 filled in the primary chamber 33 and auxiliarychambers 34, 34 is in a state intermediate between solid and liquid, ora jelly substance having some resilience. The gel-like substance is notparticularly limited as long as such substance presents properties of agel-like substance. However, the hardness ofthe substance is preferablyin the range on the order of 0 to 40 (C Scale) determined by thehardness test method set forth in JIS S6050-1988.

The inner layer 35 has a greater hardness than the gel-like substance 32because it defines an inner side of the peripheral wall of the primarychamber 33 and auxiliary chambers 34 which are filled with the gel-likesubstance 32 as the impact absorber. However, the inner layer 35 isrequired to deform quickly upon application of an impact force fortransferring the impact force to the gel-like substance 32. Further, theinner layer 35 is required to have elastic restoration characteristicsfor quick restoration to the original shape ofthe demise ofthe impactforce. Furthermore, a material for forming an inner layer 35 is requiredto be of good workability including formability, suitability foradhesion, fusibility and the like. Specifically, examples of a materialsatisfying these conditions include elastomeric materials with rubberelasticity, such as synthetic butadiene rubbers, urethane resin,silicone gel, polyamide rubbers and the like; and a sheet material suchas formed of soft vinyl chloride.

The thickness of the inner layer 35 is preferably in the range on theorder of 50 to 500 μm and more preferably of 100 to 300 μm.

The outer layer 36 is required to exhibit a certain degree of strengthbecause it functions to reinforce the inner layer 35. Since the outerlayer 36 defines a surface of the waist protection member 30, it ispreferably soft and comfortable. In addition, the outer layer 36 musthave such a sufficient flexibility so as to not interfere with thedeformation of the gel-like substance 32 and the inner layer 35.

A pair of dies 50A, 50B are previously heated in a hot pressing machineto temperatures on the order of 140 to 200° C. corresponding to fusingtemperatures at which he polyurethane resin sheet 48 and the stockinetfabric piece 49 are fused to each other. The dies 50A, 50B each includerecesses 51 corresponding to the primary chamber 33 and auxiliarychambers 34, and projections 52 corresponding to the grooves 38 a, 38 band outer peripheral edges 39. Each recess 51 is 3.5 mm in depth so thata closed space defined by the combined dies 50A, 50B may have a depth of7.0 mm.

Furthermore, the auxiliary chambers 34, 34 with the smaller contact areathan the primary chamber 33 are vertically juxtaposed on the areaforwardly of the femur 1. This reduces the interference with a movementto bend an upper body 4 a forwardly as indicated by Arrow B in FIG. 5 ora movement to lift up a thigh 4 b as indicated by Arrow C in FIG. 5.Thus, the wearer ofthe long pants 5 is allowed to make these movementswithout feeling discomfort.

Thus, the long pants 21 provided with the waist protection member 30 ofthis embodiment ensures the protection of the greater trochanter 1 afrom the impact of falls or the like and also presents excellentconformability to the movement of the human body and good wear comfort.the greater trochanter 1 a of the femur 1 and its peripheral area arecovered with the primary chamber 33 having a great contact area.Therefore, when the impact force is applied to the area incorrespondence to the greater trochanter la of the femur 1 upon fallingof the wearer, this impact force is absorbed by the deformation of thegel-like substance 32 within the primary chamber 33. On the other hand,the two auxiliary chambers 34, 34 are located at the area situated inforward position F of the area covered by the primary chamber 33.Therefore, even when the impact force due to the fall or the like isapplied to an area out of correspondence to the greater trochanter 1 a,this impact force is absorbed by the gel-like substance 32 within theauxiliary chambers 34, 34 so that the impact transferred to the greatertrochanter 1 a is reduced.

As mentioned above, the gel-like substance 32, which is filled in theprimary chamber 33 and the auxiliary chambers 34, 34 as the impactabsorber, is softer than the rubber elastic materials, foamed materialsand the like, thus presenting superior fitness to the projections anddepressions on the human body surface. Therefore, the primary chamber 33is allowed to deform in a manner to follow the movement of the humanbody 4. Whatever position the human body 4 may assume, the greatertrochanter area 1 a is surely covered with the primary chamber 33.

Further, as mentioned above, the gel-like substance 32 is so soft andcomfortable. Therefore, the long pants 21 provided with the waistportion protection member 30 presents a higher degree of wear comfortthan cases where the pants are provided with a waist protection membersuch as formed of the rubber elastic material, foamed material or thelike. Besides, in an event where the inner layer 35 and the outer layer36 rupture during use, the gel-like substance 32 is less likely toescape from the primary chamber 33 and auxiliary chambers 34 than thegas or liquid.

Furthermore, the auxiliary chambers 34, 34 with the smaller contact areathan the primary chamber 33 are vertically juxtaposed on the areaforwardly of the femur 1. This reduces the interference with a movementto bend down an upper body part 4 a forwardly as indicated by Arrow B inFIG. 5 or a movement to lift up a thigh 4 b as indicated by Arrow C inFIG. 5. Thus, the wearer of the long pants 5 is allowed to take thesemovements without feeling discomfort.

Owing to the great contact area of the primary chamber, the greatertrochanter 1 a and its peripheral area are surely covered with theprimary chamber 33, even if the placement of the waist protection member30 is somewhat displaced or if the position of the greater trochanter 1a varies because of difference in proportions according to respectivewearers. Furthermore, even if the greater trochanter 1 a is not coveredwith the primary chamber 33, it is covered with the auxiliary chambers34.

Thus, the long pants 20 provided with the waist protection member 30 ofthis embodiment ensures the protection of the greater trochanter 1 afrom the impact of falls or the like and also present excellentconformability to the movement of the human body and good wear comfort.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 10, the rear fabric pieces 24, 24 areprovided with buttock protection members 52, 52 at places to cover agluteal area 4 c of the human body 4. The buttock protection member 52is held between an inside 24 a of the rear fabric piece 24 and a liningfabric piece 53 which is securely sewn to the rear-body fabric piece 24on seam sections 28, 29, 54 and 55 which are defined along peripheraledges thereof. There is further defined a seam section 57 on which therear fabric piece 24, the buttock protection member 52 and the liningfabric piece 53 are sewn together.

Considerations need to be given to the perspiration and feel because thegluteal area 4 c of the human body 4 closely contacts with a seat whenthe wearer is seated. Accordingly, it is desirable to form the buttockprotection member 52 of an elastic material excellent in airpermeability and flexibility. Specifically, the use of an elasticmaterial, such as thermoplastic elastomer foams, acrylic foams,polyurethane rubbers and the like, is preferred. In this embodiment, thebuttock protection member 52 is formed of a flat-shaped member ofpolyurethane rubber. The provision of such a buttock protection member52 may provide the protection ofthe ischium from injury resulting fromthe impact to the gluteal area 4 c due to a fall to the ground.

It is noted that likewise to the waist protection member 30, the buttockprotection member 52 may be composed of the flat-shaped member whereinthe gel-like substance is filled in the chambers.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, short pants 61 (pants such as short drawerswhich have a relatively short length for covering the region from thewaist to upper ends of the thighs) are provided with a waist protectionmember 60 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The waistprotection member 60 includes a front fabric piece 63, side fabricpieces 64, 64, rear fabric pieces 65, 65, and a crotch fabric piece 66,which are combined together on sewing seam sections 67 to 70.

As shown in FIG. 13, a primary chamber 73 of the waist protection member60 consists of three independent compartment chambers 74 verticallyarranged. Each compartment chamber 74 is of a rectangular shape, havinga vertical length L5 of 50 mm and a transverse length L6 of 70 mm.Disposed near one side of each compartment chamber 74 is an auxiliarychamber 75 of 50 mm in vertical length L7 and transverse length L8.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the waist protection member 60 isheld between an inside 64 a of the side fabric piece 64 and a liningfabric piece 76 sewn to the side fabric piece 64 and is also secured tothe side fabric piece 64 on seam sections 79, 80 along grooves 78 a, 78b. The waist protection member 60 is positioned in a manner that whenthe short pants 61 are worn, the primary chamber 73 including the threecompartment chambers 74 covers the greater trochanter and its peripheralarea while the three auxiliary chambers 75 cover an area forwardthereof.

In the second embodiment, the fitness to the human body is furtherenhanced because the individual compartment chambers 74 constituting theprimary chamber 73 have a smaller contact area than the single and largeprimary chamber of the first embodiment. Furthermore, an even higherconformability to the movement of the human body is provided whenmovement is taken to bend down the human body forwardly or to lift upthe thigh.

It is noted that a buttock protection member 81 including a flat-shapedmember of a polyurethane rubber material is attached to an inside 65 aof the rear-body fabric piece 65 similarly to the first embodiment. Thebuttock protection member 81 is held between a lining fabric piece 82sewn to the rear fabric piece 65 and the rear fabric piece 65. Further,the buttock protection member 81 is also sewn to the rear fabric piece65 on a seam section 83.

The configuration of the other portions and the operation of the secondembodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment

In a third embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, animpact absorber 82 is interposed between the waist protection member 60and the inside 64 a of the side fabric piece 64.

It is preferred that the impact absorber 82 employs a sheet materialhaving a higher hardness than at least the sheet material constitutingthe inner layer 35 of the waist protection member 60. Specifically, ausable sheet material has a hardness (A Scale) on the order of 5 to 90and more particularly of 10 to 30 as determined by the durometerhardness test set forth in JIS 1986K7215.

Sheet materials such as those formed of synthetic leather, naturalleather, mesh articles, elastomer, synthetic resin materials and thelike can be usable as the impact absorber 82. The use of the syntheticleather is particularly preferred for its permeability, bendability,wash resistance and the like. The thickness of the impact absorber ispreferably on the order of 1 to 3 mm and more preferably of 1.5 to 2.5mm.

The synthetic leather may be fabricated by the general method. Forinstance, nonwoven fabric such as of polyester is impregnated with asolution containing polyurethane and then treated with a nonsolventsolution for solidification of polyurethane, thereby allowingpolyurethane to set on the nonwoven fabric.

In this embodiment, the impact absorber 82 is formed of the syntheticleather (Clarino® of Kuraray Co.,Ltd).

The impact absorber 82 has substantially the same or slightly smallerarea than the lining fabric piece 76. The impact absorber 82 and thelining fabric piece 76 are securely sewn to the side fabric piece 64 onthe seam sections 67, 68. The impact absorber 82 and the lining fabricpiece 76 are also secured to the side fabric piece 64 on the seamsections 79, 80 defined along the grooves 78 a, 78 b of the waistprotection member 60.

Although the grooves 78 a, 78 b of the waist protection member 60 have asmaller thickness than the chambers 74, 75, the impact applied to themis reduced by impact absorber 82. This leads to a sure prevention of therupture of the grooves 78 a, 78 b. In addition, the provision of theimpact absorber 82 permits the impact force applied to a narrow area ofthe waist protection member 60 to be dissipated in the compartmentchambers 74 and the auxiliary chambers 75, resulting in efficient impactabsorption.

The configuration of the other portions and the operation of the thirdembodiment are the same as those of the aforementioned secondembodiment.

It is noted that the impact absorber may be interposed between the waistprotection member 60 and the lining fabric piece 76. Otherwise, theimpact absorbers may be interposed in both places between the waistprotection member 60 and the side fabric piece 64 and between the waistprotection member 60 and the lining fabric piece 76.

Fourth Embodiment

In a fourth embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 16, a plate-likeimpact absorber 150 of a foamed material, such as thermoplasticelastomer foam, acrylic polymer foam or the like, is interposed betweenthe waist protection member 60 and the lining fabric piece 76.

Examples of the foamed thermoplastic elastomer material include olefinfoams, urethane foams, polyamide foams and polyester foams. As to thefoaming method, any method may be used, which includes chemical foamingmethods utilizing a foaming agent or the like, and physical foamingmethods such as gas injection.

Examples of the foamed acrylic polymer material include polymercontaining acrylic monomer, e.g. polymer containing an acrylate monomerand another monomer component. Examples of the acrylate componentinclude ethyl acrylate, methylacrylate acrylate2-ethylhexyl and thelike. As the another monomer component, a monomer comprised of acrylicacid, methacrylate, acrylamide or the like may be used for improving theflexibility and weatherability of the copolymer.

Where the impact absorber 150 of such a foamed material is provided, theimpact to the human body due to fall or the like can be absorbed notonly by the waist protection member 60 but also by this impact absorber150. Hence, in the fourth embodiment, the thickness of the compartmentchambers 74 and auxiliary chamber 75 can be decreased to about 5.5 mmfor reducing the weight of the waist protection member 60. The waistprotection member 60 reduced in weight provides improved wear comfortand also reduces discomfort to the wearer associated with movement.

Likewise to the third embodiment, the impact absorber of the foamedmaterial may be interposed between the waist protection member 60 andthe inside 64 a of the side fabric piece 64. Alternatively, the impactabsorber of the foamed materials may be interposed in both placesbetween the waist protection member 60 and the side fabric piece 64 andbetween the waist protection member 60 and the lining fabric piece 76.

The configuration of the other portions and the operation of the fourthembodiment are the same as those of the third embodiment so that sameelements are respectively denoted by same reference numerals.

Fifth Embodiment

In a waist protection member according to a fifth embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 17, the gel-like substance 32 is filled in thecompartment chambers 74 and the auxiliary chambers 75 on the side of thelining fabric piece 76 while a foamed material 153, such as of theaforementioned thermoplastic elastomer foam, acrylic copolymer foam orthe like, is filled therein on the side of the side fabric piece 64.With such a structure, the waist protection member may be reduced inweight as compared to the case where the compartment chambers 74 andauxiliary chambers 75 are filled with only the gel-like substance 32.

In FIG. 17, the gel-like substance 32 is filled in the compartmentchambers 74 and auxiliary chambers 75 to a depth equivalent to ½ of thethickness thereof while the foamed material 153 is filled therein to theremaining ½ of the thickness thereof. However, the filling ratio of thegel-like substance 32 and the foamed material 153 should not be limitedto this. Further, the foamed material 153 may be filled in the chamberson the side ofthe lining fabric piece 76 while the gel-like substance 32may be filled therein on the side of the side fabric piece 64.

The configuration of the other portions and the operation of the fifthembodiment are the same as those of the third embodiment so that sameelements are respectively denoted by same reference numerals.

Sixth Embodiment

In a waist portion protection member according to a sixth embodiment ofthe invention shown in FIG. 18, the gel-like substance 32 in thecompartment chambers 74 and auxiliary chambers 75 includes a pluralityof voids 154. The voids 154 are filled with air. The inclusion of suchvoids 154 also contributes to reducing weight of the gel-like substance32, resulting in the enhanced wear comfort and the decreased discomfortassociated with movement.

In order to ensure the adequate impact absorption, the total volume ofthe voids 154 is preferably not more than 5% of the volume of thegel-like substance 32 in each compartment chamber 74 and auxiliarychamber 75. In addition, the gel-like substance 32 preferably has adensity of not more than 0.6 g/cm³.

The configuration of the other portions of the sixth embodiment is thesame as that of the third embodiment so that same elements arerespectively denoted by same reference numerals.

Seventh Embodiment

In a seventh embodiment ofthe invention shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, thelining fabric piece 41 disposed in correspondence to the attachmentposition of the waist protection member 30 defines a pocket 86 whichincludes the seam sections 26, 28, 43 extended along the lateral sidesand the lower side ofthe four peripheral sides ofthe lining fabric piece41 and which opens at an opening 86 a at the top. The waist protectionmember 30 has securing fasteners 87 bonded thereto by virtue of anadhesive or the like. The fasteners 87 are positioned at four comers ofa face of the waist protection member 30 opposite to the inside 23 aofthe side fabric piece 23. In correspondence to these securingfasteners 87, securing fasteners 88 are also bonded to a portion of theinside 23 a of the side fabric piece 23, i.e. the portion defining aninside portion of the pocket section 86.

The waist protection member 30 is inserted in an interior of the pocket86 through the opening 86 a and secured to the side fabric piece 23 byengagement between the securing fasteners 87, 88. On the other hand, thewaist protection member 30 can be taken out from the opening 86 a afterreleasing the securing fasteners 87, 88 from the engagement.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 22, the rear fabric piece 24 is also formedwith a pocket 88 on the inside 24 a thereof the pocket 88 including theseam sections 28, 29, 55 extended along the lateral sides and the lowerside of the lining fabric piece 53 and opening at an opening 88 a at thetop. As shown in FIG. 23, the buttock protection member 52 is providedwith securing fasteners 89 which are located at four corners of a facethereof opposite to the inside 24 a of the rear fabric piece 24. Incorrespondence to these fasteners 89, securing fasteners 90 are alsodisposed at places on the inside 24 a of the rear fabric piece 24 whichdefines an inside portion of the pocket 88. Thus, the buttock protectionmember 52 may be securely placed within or removed from the pocket 88 bybringing the securing fasteners 89, 90 into or out of engagement.

Where the waist protection member 30 and the buttock protection member52 are removably attached to the long pants 21, it is advantageous inthat the waist protection member 30 and the buttock protection member 52can be removed from the long pants 21 when the pants are washed.

The configuration of the other portions and the operation of the seventhembodiment are the same as those of the aforementioned first embodiment.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 24 illustrates a waist protection member 100 according to an eighthembodiment of the invention.

In the waist protection member 100, three auxiliary chambers 102 arevertically juxtaposed near one side of a primary chamber 101. A row ofthree auxiliary chambers 103 a is respectively disposed above and underthe primary chamber 101 and the auxiliary chambers 102.

The primary chamber 101 is of a flat rectangular parallelepiped, havinga thickness of 7.5 mm, a vertical length L9 of 120 mm and a transverselength L10 of 77 mm. The auxiliary chamber 102 is shaped like a square,having a thickness of 7.5 mm, a vertical length L11 and a transverselength L12 of 35 mm. Widths W3, W4 of grooves 104, 105 are 7 mm. Theauxiliary chamber 103 has the same dimensions as the auxiliary chamber102.

In the eighth embodiment, the auxiliary chambers 103 are arranged aboveand under the primary chamber 101. Owing to this arrangement, the impactforce applied to areas vertically spaced from the greater trochanter maybe absorbed, so that the impact transferred to the greater trochanter isreduced.

Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 25 illustrates a waist protection member 110 according to a ninthembodiment of the invention.

In this waist protection member 110, a primary chamber 111 consists of atotal number of 25 compartment chambers 112 in an arrangement consistingof 5 compartment chambers 112 in the vertical direction and 5compartment chambers 112 in the transverse direction. Each compartmentchamber 112 is 18 mm in both the vertical length L13 and the transverselength L14. A groove 113 for partitioning the compartment chambers 112is 2 mm in width W5. The primary chamber 111 as a whole is 98 mm in boththe vertical and transverse lengths.

Forwardly of the primary chamber 111, there are vertically juxtaposedfirst auxiliary chambers 114 each shaped like a vertically elongatedrectangle. Each first auxiliary chamber 114 has a vertical length L15 of45 mm and a transverse length L16 of 25 mm.

Second auxiliary chambers 115 each in the form of a transverselyelongated rectangle are disposed above and below the primary chamber111. Each second auxiliary chamber 115 has a vertical length L17 of 30mm and a transverse length L18 of 98 mm.

Third auxiliary chambers 116, which are vertically elongated, aredisposed at places above and below the two first auxiliary chambers 114.Each third auxiliary chamber 116 has a vertical length L19 of 30 mm anda transverse length L20 of 25 mm.

The compartment chambers 112 and the first to the third auxiliarychambers 114 to 116 all have a thickness of 7.5 mm.

In the ninth embodiment, as described above, the primary chamber 111 iscomposed of the small volume compartment chambers 112 so as to achievesurer conformability to the movement of the human body at the areacorresponding to the greater trochanter 1 a.

It is to be appreciated that the present invention should not be limitedto the embodiments thereof and various modifications thereto may bemade.

Firstly, the shapes of the primary chamber and auxiliary chambers arenot limited to the aforementioned flat rectangular parallelepiped butmay be in the form of a circular cylinder, an elliptical cylinder andany polygonal pillar like prism However, whatever shape the primarychamber takes, the primary chamber preferably has a contact area withthe human body surface within the range on the order of 20 to 200 cm².Further, whatever shape the auxiliary chamber takes, the auxiliarychamber preferably has a contact area with the human body surface withinthe range on the order of 5 to 50 cm².

In particular, where the primary chamber is of the flat rectangularparallelepiped, the vertical length thereof is preferably within therange of 20 to 240 mm and the transverse length thereof is preferablywithin the range of 50 to 150 mm. Where the auxiliary chamber is of theflat rectangular parallelepiped, the vertical length thereof ispreferably within the range of 10 to 80 mm and the transverse lengththereof is preferably within the range of 10 to 80 mm. Additionally, thethickness of the primary chamber and auxiliary chamber is preferably notless than 3 mm and not more than 10 mm. This is because the thickness ofless than 3 mm cannot attain sufficient impact absorption while thethickness excessive of 10 mm results in the waist protection memberwhich is too heavy to be suitable for common wear. Further, theperipheral walls of the primary chamber and auxiliary chamber may beformed of only the urethane resin sheet or the soft vinyl chloridesheet, dispensing with the outer layer.

According to the foregoing embodiments of the invention, the waistprotection member is attached to the inside of the fabric piecesconstituting the long pants or short pants. Instead, the waistprotection member may be attached to the outside of the fabric pieces.It is noted that the attachment of the protection member to the insideof the fabric pieces is more preferred in terms of the wear comfort,ease in wearing or taking off the pants, good aesthetic appearance andthe like.

Besides the aforesaid long pants and short pants, the waist protectionmember may also be secured to or removably attached to other garmentssuch as trousers, skirts and the like. In these cases, the waistprotection member is preferably attached to the inside of the fabricpiece.

The fabrication method for the waist protection member is not limited tothe foregoing method. The protection member may be fabricated in amanner that a urethane rubber sheet previously formed with chambers of apredetermined shape at predetermined places thereof is bonded to a softplastic sheet and thereafter silicone gel is injected into the chambers.

In the foregoing embodiments, the long pants and the like provided withthe waist protection member are prevented from slipping down over thewearer'sbody by virtue of an elastic band (elastic waistband) insertedin a portion of the pants encircling the wearer's waist. However, inaddition to the elastic waistband, a drawstring 160 such as formed of anacrylic cord may be provided for strapping. Many of the long pants orthe like provided with the inventive waist protection member are used bythe elderly whose waist sizes vary widely from person to person.Therefore, the provision of the drawstring 160 permits the long pants orthe like to be adjusted for the waist size according to individualwearer's waist size, thereby preventing the long pants or the like fromslipping down over the wearer's body.

What is claimed is:
 1. A waist protection member comprising: a primarychamber to be placed over a first area of the human body that includesat least an area of the human body corresponding to a greater trochanterof a femur, with said primary chamber being filled with a gel-likesubstance; and at least two auxiliary chambers which are verticallyjuxtaposed and are to be placed over at least second and third areas,respectively, of the human body forwardly of the first area, with saidauxiliary chambers each being filled with a gel-like substance and eachhaving a cross-sectional area corresponding to the second and thirdareas, respectively, that is less than a cross-sectional area of saidprimary chamber that corresponds to the first area.
 2. The waistprotection member according to claim 1, wherein said gel-like substancefilled into said primary chamber is the same as said gel-like substancefilled into said auxiliary chambers.
 3. The waist protection memberaccording to claim 2, wherein said gel-like substance filled into saidprimary chamber and said auxiliary chambers comprises silicone gel orurethane gel.
 4. The waist protection member according to claim 2,wherein a thickness of said primary chamber and said auxiliary chambersis not less than 3 mm and not more than 10 mm.
 5. The waist protectionmember according to claim 2, wherein said primary chamber comprises aplurality of compartment chambers arranged in close proximity to oneanother.
 6. The waist protection member according to claim 2, wherein aperipheral wall of said primary chamber and said auxiliary chamberscomprises a urethane resin sheet or a soft vinyl chloride sheet.
 7. Thewaist protection member according to claim 2, wherein a peripheral wallof said primary chamber and said auxiliary chambers comprises an innerlayer of a urethane resin sheet or a soft vinyl chloride sheet, and anouter layer of a knit textile material.
 8. A waist protection membercomprising: a primary chamber to be placed over a first area of thehuman body that includes at least an area ofthe human body correspondingto a greater trochanter of a femur, with said primary chamber beingfilled with a gel-like substance and a foamed material; and an auxiliarychamber to be placed over a second area of the human body forwardly ofthe first area, with said auxiliary chamber being filled with saidgel-like substance and said foamed material.
 9. A garment for a lowerbody part, comprising: a waist protection member that includes a primarychamber and at least two auxiliary chambers, with said primary chamberto be placed over a first area of the human body that includes at leastan area of the human body corresponding to a greater trochanter of afemur, and said primary chamber being filled with a gel-like substance;and said at least two auxiliary chambers being vertically juxtaposed andto be placed over at least second and third areas, respectively, of thehuman body forwardly ofthe first area, and said auxiliary chambers eachbeing filled with a gel-like substance and each having a cross-sectionalarea corresponding to the second and third areas, respectively, that isless than a cross-sectional area of said primary chamber thatcorresponds to the first area.
 10. The garment according to claim 9,wherein said gel-like substance filled into said primary chamber is thesame as said gel-like substance filled into said auxiliary chambers. 11.An underwear for a lower body part, comprising: a waist protectionmember that includes a primary chamber and at least two auxiliarychambers, with said primary chamber to be placed over a first area ofthe human body that includes at least an area of the human bodycorresponding to a greater trochanter of a femur, and said primarychamber being filled with a gel-like substance; and said at least twoauxiliary chambers being vertically juxtaposed and to be placed over atleast second and third areas, respectively, of the human body forwardlyofthe first area, and said auxiliary chambers each being filled with agel-like substance and each having a cross-sectional area correspondingto the second and third areas, respectively, that is less than across-sectional area of said primary chamber that corresponds to thefirst area.
 12. The underwear according to claim 11, wherein saidgel-like substance filled into said primary chamber is the same as saidgel-like substance filled into said auxiliary chambers.
 13. A garmentfor a lower body part, comprising: a waist protection member thatincludes a primary chamber and at least two auxiliary chambers, with (i)said primary chamber to be placed over a first area ofthe human bodythat includes at least an area of the human body corresponding to agreater trochanter of a femur, and said primary chamber being filledwith a gel-like substance; and (ii) said at least two auxiliary chambersbeing vertically juxtaposed and to be placed over at least second andthird areas, respectively, of the human body forwardly of the firstarea, and said auxiliary chambers each being filled with a gel-likesubstance and each having a cross-sectional area corresponding to thesecond and third areas, respectively, that is less than across-sectional area of said primary chamber that corresponds to thefirst area; a lining fabric piece for holding said waist protectionmember to a back side of a body fabric piece; and an impact absorberinterposed between said waist protection member and said lining fabricpiece or to be interposed between said waist protection member and thebody fabric piece.
 14. The garment according to claim 13, wherein saidgel-like substance filled into said primary chamber is the same as saidgel-like substance filled into said auxiliary chambers.
 15. An underwearfor a lower body part, comprising: a waist protection member thatincludes a primary chamber and at least two auxiliary chambers, with (i)said primary chamber to be placed over a first area of the human bodythat includes at least an area of the human body corresponding to agreater trochanter of a femur, and said primary chamber being filledwith a gel-like substance; and (ii) said at least two auxiliary chambersbeing vertically juxtaposed and to be placed over at least second andthird areas, respectively, of the human body forwardly of the firstarea, and said auxiliary chambers each being filled with a gel-likesubstance and each having a cross-sectional area corresponding to thesecond and third areas, respectively, that is less than across-sectional area of said primary chamber that corresponds to thefirst area; a lining fabric piece for holding said waist protectionmember to a back side of a body fabric piece; and an impact absorberinterposed between said waist protection member and said lining fabricpiece or to be interposed between said waist protection member and thebody fabric piece.
 16. The underwear according to claim 15, wherein saidgel-like substance filled into said primary chamber is the same as saidgel-like substance filled into said auxiliary chambers.
 17. A waistprotection member comprising: a primary chamber to be placed over afirst area of the human body that includes at least an area of the humanbody corresponding to a greater trochanter of a femur, with said primarychamber being filled with a gel-like substance and a foamed material;and at least two auxiliary chambers which are vertically juxtaposed andare to be placed over at least second and third areas, respectively, ofthe human body forwardly of the first area, with said auxiliary chamberseach being filled with a gel-like substance and a foamed material, andeach having a cross-sectional area corresponding to the second and thirdareas, respectively, that is less than a cross-sectional area of saidprimary chamber that corresponds to the first area.
 18. The waistprotection member according to claim 17, wherein said gel-like substanceand foamed material filled into said primary chamber is the same as saidgel-like substance and foamed material filled into said auxiliarychambers.
 19. A waist protection member comprising: a primary chamber tobe placed over a first area of the human body that includes at least anarea of the human body corresponding to a greater trochanter of a femur,with said primary chamber being filled with a gel-like substance havingvoids; and at least two auxiliary chambers which are verticallyjuxtaposed and are to be placed over at least second and third areas,respectively, of the human body forwardly of the first area, with saidauxiliary chambers each being filled with a gel-like substance havingvoids and each having a cross-sectional area corresponding to the secondand third areas, respectively, that is less than a cross-sectional areaof said primary chamber that corresponds to the first area.
 20. Thewaist protection member according to claim 19, wherein said gel-likesubstance filled into said primary chamber is the same as said gel-likesubstance filled into said auxiliary chambers.
 21. The waist protectionmember according to claim 20, wherein said voids are filled with air.22. The waist protection member according to claim 20, wherein a totalvolume of said voids in said primary chamber is not more than 5% of avolume of said gel-like substance in said primary chamber, and a totalvolume of said voids in said auxiliary chambers is not more than 5% of avolume of said gel-like substance in said auxiliary chambers,respectively.